I remember seeing Vainuku in the backfield, looks like it might be a permanent thing.
Defensive end Hayden Clegg and defensive tackle Vaha Vainuku were part of a special fullback package last week at UCLA, switching their numbers to 40 and 89, respectively. They will keep those numbers for the remainder of the year …
Whitt spoke highly of Manalo during Spring, but went real cold on him after Fall camp. When asked about Manalo after all the injuries, he closed over it as if he were not an option. Based on that, Sean O’Connell commented on his radio show that Manalo was not long for the team and would probably transfer.
I agree there’s some drama in the locker room but I also think we’re seeing a connudrum Utah has not dealt with at this level – what talent in depth brings to a team in the face adversity. In Jim Mora’s post game Utah loss interview, he was asked directly about the locker room morale and he responded less than composed and confident. Yeah, Whitt is in a difficult situation behind the scenes, but winning is the most important motivator for players.
I think it was telling they used a walk on in front of him when Shyne went down. I’ve heard he could never quite adjust to the speed of the actual games.